From Lawmaker To Lobbyist In New Mexico

Kent Cravens is among the more than two dozen former state legislators who have made the switch to lobbying.

The Albuquerque Republican resigned from his Senate seat in 2011 to take a government relations job with the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association. While he was no industry expert, his experience with the legislative process and his connections were considered an asset.

The scenario is a familiar one in New Mexico, where lawmakers are free to resign one day and start lobbying the next.

A report released by Common Cause New Mexico identifies 26 former legislators who work as lobbyists.

Critics say the "revolving-door" practice erodes public trust in government, by allowing former lawmakers to cash in on their expertise and connections with former colleagues.